Pubdate: Tue, 05 Jul 2005
Source: Clarion-Ledger, The (MS)
Copyright: 2005 The Clarion-Ledger
Contact:  http://www.clarionledger.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/805
Author: John Fuquay

MISS. LOSES ANTI-CRIME FUNDS

$474 Million Loss Nationwide Has Officials Worrying About Future

The loss this year of a $474 million federal grant program to combat drug 
crimes nationwide has Mississippi law officers wondering how they will keep 
up the fight in their communities.

The seven-member Smith County Sheriff's Department stands to lose $21,000 
because federal Byrne Grants, which are intended for violent and 
drug-related crimes, will be taken away from law enforcement programs and 
diverted to homeland security programs.

"In a little rural county like ours, that almost cuts the drug agent out," 
Smith County Sheriff Charlie Crumpton said.

Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin said losing the money will affect 
"not only drug enforcement but all enforcement."

In Hinds County, about $76,000 a year has been used to pay overtime.

Sheriff's spokesman Steve Pickett said, "When you cut from street and 
narcotics sides, there will be fewer officers assigned to that, and few 
hours worked. That will mean less enforcement."

Mississippi received a total $5.2 million last year.

Congress approved the funding changes earlier this year.

Third District U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering said he is working to find 
replacement money.

"We're coordinating with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to 
find the best solution to these funding changes," he said. "We're also 
working with the Department of Homeland Security to investigate whether 
there are additional revenue sources that will offset these cuts."

Billy White, director of public safety planning with the DPS, notified 
sheriffs across the state earlier this year of the cuts, saying, "All 
agencies previously funded under the Byrne ... program will have to take 
substantial cuts for the 2005 fiscal year."

He said cuts total 36 percent this year and no funding will be provided 
next year.

The U.S. Department of Justice has created another grant fund intended to 
replace the Byrne Grants. However, unlike Byrne money, the replacement 
grants may be used for a variety of purposes.

Crumpton said the state and National Sheriff's Association have asked 
Congress to reconsider the cuts or appropriate new money. Otherwise, he 
said he doubts any funding will be able to offset the loss in his department.

"In our budget, that's more than 50 percent of one salary," he said. "Next 
year, we'll have to absorb that 50 percent or let the drug agent go. With 
the way narcotics are kicking us right now, I can't see doing that."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom